Jinu's eyes fluttered open to the harsh white glow of the hospital ceiling. The light burned against his vision, and when he tried to move, a sharp wave of pain shot through his body — a cruel reminder of the alley, the fists, the darkness.
A faint groan escaped his lips.
Then he felt it.
A gentle warmth wrapped around his hand.
Slowly, painfully, he turned his head.
Jia was there.
She sat in a small wooden chair beside his bed, her body slumped forward in exhaustion.
Her head rested near his arm, her fingers still holding his as if she were afraid he might disappear.
Her eyes were swollen, her face pale, and her fragile frame looked as though she had been fighting her own silent war all night.
The door creaked open.
A nurse stepped inside and noticed his open eyes.
"Oh, you're awake," she whispered softly.
"Your friend hasn't slept for a second. She brought you here just in time… and she took care of all the hospital expenses herself."
The words struck him harder than any punch.
Expenses.
Jinu knew she wasn't from a wealthy family.
He remembered the tremble in her voice, the simplicity of her clothes, the quiet struggles she never spoke about.
And just hours ago, he had told her to disappear from his life.
Guilt tightened around his chest like chains.
At that moment, Jia stirred.
Her lashes fluttered open.
When she saw him awake, pure relief lit her face — but it faded just as quickly, replaced by fear.
His words echoed between them.
I'll act as if we never met.
"Jinu… are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice trembling.
She began to withdraw her hand.
But this time, he didn't let her.
He looked at her — truly looked at her — and saw the fear he had planted in her heart.
In a cracked whisper, he said, "Why, Jia? I wasn't even worth it.
I hurt you… and you're still here."
She tried to answer, but emotion stole her voice.
The silence stretched.
And then—
The walls around him shattered.
Ignoring the burning pain in his ribs, Jinu reached out and pulled her into his arms.
The embrace was desperate. Tight. Unfiltered.
The so-called "Ice Prince" buried his face in her shoulder — and broke.
His body trembled as quiet sobs escaped him, raw and unguarded.
"Forgive me, Jia… please," he whispered, his voice breaking.
"I never thought anyone could love me like this. I'm so sorry."
For the first time in his life, Jinu allowed himself to be held.
And for the first time, he wasn't alone.